Vanguard saves the day (again)!

I need a second tripod for an upcoming photo shoot. The plan is to use my main Vanguard Tracker 4 tripod for my “A” camera, and a second Vanguard Tracker 4 tripod for my secondary camera, and let both cameras operate independently during the photo shoot.

Now here’s the thing. Vanguard discontinued the Tracker model years ago. In fact, when my original Tracker 4 took a tumble and sustained some damage, a Vanguard representative hooked me up with a brand new tripod head and strap.

Vanguard saves the day!

Since the Tracker 4 model is about as old as some of the film I use, I figured I could get a unit on eBay for pennies. And sure enough, there was a classroom-used Vanguard Tracker 4 available on the site. $45 later (and free shipping), the unit was on its way to New York. Sweet.

Except … there’s a little issue with this tripod.

Although all the normal knobs are available … there’s a set screw missing on this tripod. And that set screw allows the tripod to telescope up and stay up. Without that set screw, I could raise the tripod head up … and it would slowly slide back down. Nope. Not having it. That will not work for me.

So I called Vanguard. And a very nice call center worker said, “Well, I think we can help you out. What’s your mailing address?”

A few days later, I received a small packaged from Vanguard – free of charge, four different-sized set screws.

I tried the first one. Too big.

I tried the second one. Too small

I tried the third one. Close, but it kinda sticks out a bit.

And finally … the fourth one … like Goldilocks in the bed, it was just right. I could telescope the tripod’s center rod, twist the set screw, and the tripod stayed locked in place. Aces.

My sincere thanks to Vanguard once again for helping a photographer in need.

I’ll say this. It’s nice to be able to stand by a company’s product.

Even if that company hasn’t made that specific product in over ten years. 😀